I have been in a 4-year relationship with a man who is of a different religion than myself. My parents are extremely conservative and do not approve of this relationship. (In my religion there is no conversion and we must marry within the religion.) They are constantly making me feel guilty and as if I am a bad daughter, since they have done so much for me and I am somewhat dependent on them. I am having a hard time reconciling the Law of Karma. Though I am happy, my parents are also affected by this choice and they are extremely hurt. All their guilt and disappointment is even making me second-guess my relationship with my boyfriend. Do you have any advice for me?
I know what it feels like to be in this situation. I have been through same problems few months back when I presented my non-muslim boyfriend to my muslim family. Somehow things worked out for us and my family accepted him. 4 months after our engagement my father, who was a diabetic patient, died from a cardiac arrest. I feel guilty sometimes because I knew he wasnt too keen on the idea of getting a non-muslim son-in-law. But I have pushed that thought away, because I know that the path I have chosen is the right for me and the fact my father died prior to my wedding is just the karmic play of the universe. Choosing the right path is not easy but it will give you an inner sense of peace. At least you are true to your self and your own values. I am 32 and have lived by my families rules and principles, and only recently started living by my own values. That can never be a bad thing no matter what the society tells you is wrong or right.